Also, if you would like a photo session in the lavender fields, do not hesitate to write to me!
In Provence, in different departments, there are many different fields and they are all beautiful in their own way, there are truly endless fields that amaze with their beauty from infinity, and there are field with a view on ancient villages.
While true lavender only grows in the highlands (about 600 meters - about 2000 feet above sea level), lavandin grows abundantly and safely in lower ground (400 - 600 meters), which makes this plant easier to cultivate.
The yield of lavandin is many times greater than the yield of lavender, lavandin is less susceptible to pests and diseases. Lavandin produces more essential oil than other types of lavender can produce from a field of the same area. And the oil is much cheaper! From 1 hectare of sown area, you can get from 8 to 30 kg of lavender oil. Lavandin from such an area gives up to 220 kg of essential oil.
Lavender fields of Plateau Valensole
Field #1 – Terraroma
GPS: 43.8191, 5.93266
Terraroma is an iconic lavender farm in Provence, and it’s a beautiful spot for photos. Park opposite the lavender field, by the distillery, and take care crossing the road. Wander up the divide between the lavender fields and you’ll find respite from the crowds, and another less frequented lavender field behind.
This Valensole lavender field is a great place to photograph groups, as there are wider lanes between the rows of lavender.
It is also a field that the french designer Jacquemus held his show.
GPS: 43.884298 6.04967
This field is located near one of the most popular fields on the Valensole Plateau, which was completely harvested and cleared last year. It is just as beautiful and scenic. You will definitely come across it if you are driving from Valensole to Puimoisson.
Field #3 - Exploitation Arnoux
GPS: 43.838473, 6.000688
Very beautiful field with a tree. Next to the field Exploitation Arnoux there is an olive grove, and nearby they have a shop where they offer their products. A young lavender field with a very beautiful hill and tree.
Field #4
GPS: 43.846869, 6.0175One of the most beautiful fields, at dawn and at sunset. A field with several stunning hills and very high bushes. I believe this is one of the oldest fields on the Valensole Plateau. It is almost impossible to walk through its pathways. The bushes are so huge, and there are so many bees that it's better to admire it from a distance.
Field #5 A spiraling field
GPS: 43.855061, 6.032757One of the cutest fields, where the paths do not go straight to the horizon but charmingly spiral. Always remember, the fields are private property. Do not pick the lavender, do not trample it, and do not jump over the paths. By the way, this field belongs to Lavande Angelvin.
Field #6 A field with a huge hill
GPS: 43.857305, 6.038486This is one of the most special fields on the plateau, featuring a huge hill and two trees in the distance. It creates that "wow" effect.
Field #8
GPS: 43.851485 6.110340
A smaller field, but perfectly formed and very quiet. The light at sunset was just perfect for portraits or family photos.
The flowering time of lavender (end of June - mid-August) is a conditional concept, with an error of plus or minus 2 weeks. The rainier the spring in the south of France, the later the lavender blooms.
The flowering period also depends on the region. The Luberon and the Rhone Valley are the earliest to bloom - mid-June-mid-July. They are then joined by Valensole and Drome Provencal in early July. Here, the lavender bloom ends at the latest on July 25th. The Sault territory completes the lavender flowering - by August 10th.
Lavender begins to be harvested during its mass flowering, when 50% of the inflorescences bloom. Therefore, you need to catch beauty in the middle of the flowering period. Otherwise, you can find green fields instead of lilac ones.
It is believed that the most win-win option to see the lavender fields in bloom is to come to Provence in July. Most people think so, and therefore it is in July that the most famous lavender locations are occupied by crowds of tourists dreaming of a picturesque photo shoot. Local residents prefer to admire the flowering before the start of the tourist rush - in the 20th of June.
Lavender is a well-known honey plant, so most of the fields are surrounded by apiaries, and therefore bees. The risk of being stung is quite high, so stock up on antihistamines and Apistop ointment, which is used by professional beekeepers.
Local guides scare tourists with vipers, scorpions and advise putting on rubber boots before going for a walk in the lavender surroundings.
Lavender is a shrub, so it feels tough and prickly to the touch, not soft and fluffy like it looks in the photos.
The easiest way to visit the lavender fields of Provence is to rent a car. So you do not depend on schedules and will be everywhere at a convenient time for you.
You can also join one of our groups - group of photographers or group of tourists/models, we have a very convenient travel program and also photo shoots with a professional photographer.
If you still decide to travel by train, then you need to get to the city of Aix-en-Provence and then to the city of Manosque. From there you can already look at the bus schedule. But be careful, buses between cities can rarely run.
I wish everyone to be here!
If you are a photographer and you want to join our group this year in our Photo-tour to lavender fields.
If you are a tourist and you would like to go with us in Photo-tour as a model to get loads of professional photos.